A Combined Process of In Situ Functionalization and Microwave Treatment to Achieve Ultrasmall Thermal Expansion of Aligned Carbon Nanotube–Polymer Nanocomposites: Toward Applications as Thermal Interface Materials

Abstract

Ultrasmall thermal expansion of aligned carbon nanotube–epoxy composites at temperatures below and above the glass transition is achieved by a novel combined process of in situ functionalization and microwave treatment. Carbon nanotube–polymer interfacial bonding is the key to the reduced thermal expansion, enhanced storage modulus, and improved thermal conductivity. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.